PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACT OF CHILD UPBRINGING: A STUDY OF SOME SELECTED ORPHANAGES CENTRES IN MAIDUGURI AREA OF BORNO STATE

This study investigated the psychosocial impact of child upbringing in selected orphanage centres in the Maiduguri area of Borno State. The objectives of this study were to identify the psychosocial challenges experienced by children living in the orphanages, examine the psychological and social effects of the caregiving environment, and determine the relationship between child upbringing practices and the psychosocial well-being of the children. The study was anchored on relevant literature and guided by psychosocial development theories to provide a strong conceptual foundation. A descriptive research design was adopted, specifically a case study of two selected orphanage centres: the Model Orphanage Centre on Damboa Road and Fatima Halimatu Sharif Orphanage at Bolori Roundabout. Both primary and secondary data were utilised for this research. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to the respondents, while secondary data were collected from government publications, journals, and related studies. The study population comprised children aged 11–18 years and caregivers in the selected centres. Purposive sampling was employed to select 60 children and 10 caregivers, providing diverse perspectives on child upbringing practices in institutional settings. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, including simple percentages and frequency distribution tables, to present findings clearly. The findings of the study revealed that while orphanage centres provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and education, children still experience notable psychosocial challenges, including loneliness, emotional stress, and limited opportunities to express themselves. The caregiving environment was generally perceived as supportive and safe; however, inconsistencies in caregiver attention and child participation in decision-making were observed. Moreover, the study found a significant link between structured caregiving practices and children’s emotional resilience, confirming that supportive caregiving positively affects psychosocial well-being. These results align with previous studies which highlight that institutional care, although beneficial in providing stability, may limit children’s autonomy and peer interaction. The study concluded that orphanage care plays a vital role in addressing the basic needs of vulnerable children but requires improvement in emotional support strategies and participatory practices. It recommended the introduction of structured counselling programmes, enhanced caregiver training, child-friendly decision-making practices, and regular assessment of psychosocial well-being to promote holistic child development in orphanages